Wisma Putra: Nepal considering legal measures to determine status of landslide victims

The Nepalese government is contemplating legal measures to determine the status of individuals affected by floods and landslides, including foreign nationals, according to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry. These measures are currently pending approval under Nepal's domestic legal framework. The Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu is collaborating with Nepalese authorities to gain clarity on the necessary procedures and documentation if the measures are enacted.

The Malaysian government has also pledged to coordinate with Malaysian agencies regarding these processes.

Earlier this week, a meeting was held at Wisma Putra to update the families of 55 Malaysians still missing since the disasters on August 26. The session, attended by representatives from the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, police, Chemistry Department, Malaysian embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing, and the National Registration Department, provided families with the latest verified information and a chance to ask questions directly to the involved agencies.

Support counselors from the Welfare Department were also present throughout the closed-door meeting.

As the situation has transitioned into a long-term phase, the meeting also addressed the legal and administrative procedures that might apply to the families of affected Malaysians. The Malaysian government expressed gratitude to various Nepalese agencies for their cooperation and support, including the National Security Council, National Disaster Management Agency, Special Team, police, Chemistry Department, Health Ministry, Attorney-General's Chambers, National Registration Department, and the Welfare Department.

The foreign ministry also requested the public and media to respect the privacy of the affected families and avoid speculating about individuals whose status remains unconfirmed. The catastrophic events, triggered by an ice and rock collapse in Tibet's upper catchment of the Lhende Khola, led to over 1,450 deaths and left thousands unaccounted for.